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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HECS5302M Symptom Assessment and Management in Palliative Care

30 creditsClass Size: 25

If you are applying for a stand-alone Masters level module please note you must meet either the general University entry criteria or the specific module pre-requisite for this level of study.

Module manager: Jane Chatterjee
Email: janec@st-gemma.co.uk or J.Chatterjee@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Evidence of the ability to study at Master's level is required:
This would typically be a first degree (2:1 or above) in a health or social care related professional subject area
OR
Opportunities for the accreditation of prior learning and prior experiential learning exist
AND
Current registration with the relevant regulatory body (NMC, HCPC or GMC) with a minimum of two years post-qualifying experience and currently practising in an appropriate secondary or primary health care setting.
Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of recent study - this will normally be within the last 3 years.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) required score for admission will be 6.5

This module is mutually exclusive with

HECS3273Symptom Assessment and Management in Palliative Care

Module replaces

HECS 3106:Assessment & Management of the Patient with Advanced Disease

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module explores the philosophy of palliative care and aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the impact of advanced disease on the individual and family/informal carers. It reviews the pathophysiology of progressive incurable illness and the aetiology and management of common symptoms in palliative care. It aims to develop practitioners’ communication skills to an advanced level and provide an in depth understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks that influence palliative/end of life care decision making. The overall aim is to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes that allow practitioners to optimise the holistic assessment and management of patients with palliative care needs and to appraise new therapies and approaches appropriate to their profession whilst recognising the value of interdisciplinary working.

Objectives

On completion of this module, each student should be able to:
1. demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the pathophysiological effects of progressive incurable diseases, including the clinical effects of dysfunction and failure of major organs;
2. demonstrate specialist knowledge of the physiology of pain and pain processing;
3. critically examine and debate the concept of total pain and understand its relevance to assessment and management of care;
4. assess and manage common symptoms in palliative care and apply basic principles to evaluate and meet complex needs;
5. reflect on and critically analyse the philosophy of palliative care and its application within a variety of practice settings;
6. critically appraise the value of the multidisciplinary team in managing a patient's symptoms and care;
7. demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal issues in respect of the dying patient and his/her family;
8. show a comprehensive understanding and critically reflect on the implications of advanced disease for the patient and family from an emotional, social, cultural and spiritual perspective

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should know:
- the philosophy of palliative and end of life care and the diverse issues which impact upon symptom management (cultural, social, spiritual dimensions)
- the physiology of advanced disease including the theory of pain
- the theory and practice of the holistic assessment of a patient with palliative care needs
- a range of assessment tools for pain and other symptoms
- the theory underpinning the holistic management of a range of symptoms including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
- the roles of the individual members of the multi-disciplinary team
- theory and practical application of advanced communication skills
- the principles upon which decision making is based

Skills outcomes
Carrying out an holistic assessment of a patient with palliative care needs


Syllabus

- Physiology in advanced disease with particular reference to pain theories and the concept of total pain and other symptoms
- Holistic assessment, prioritising the needs of the patient and family
- Social and cultural factors affecting patients' experience of advanced disease.
- Ethical and legal issues in palliative care
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to symptom management
- The multi-disciplinary team approach
- Advanced communication skills for 'breaking bad news' and optimising assessment

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture113.0033.00
Practical12.002.00
Seminar111.0011.00
Tutorial41.004.00
Private study hours250.00
Total Contact hours50.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

A minimum of 250 hours of private study are allocated within this module for reading, course work, preparation for seminars and assignment preparation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be required to undertake course work throughout the module. This will take the form of verbal contributions to class discussion, participation in an on-line discussion forum and group work activities. Through these methods the students' ability to present and analyse case studies and relevant research evidence will be monitored. Student progress will also be monitored through examination practice sessions built into the teaching schedule.
Members of the programme team at St. Gemma's Hospice will act as both personal and academic tutors to the students. They will be available for one to one supervision with students which may be face to face or by telephone as well as communication via email. The School of Healthcare model of academic supervision will be followed. Students will receive feedback on their progress in class and will be encouraged to read and act on the feedback they receive on their submitted assessments.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay3000 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Practical Exam / OSCE0 hr 90 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/04/2015

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